An Evolving Crisis in Pediatric Emergency Care

Over the past decade, mental health problems in children presenting to the emergency department (ED) have continued to increase. Lack of access to mental health providers, long waiting times for mental health evaluation for even the highest risk children, inability to pay for care, and insufficient capacity of child and youth mental health providers have all contributed to the burden. The role of the emergency physician in caring for these children has been evolving as health systems take on the perspective of population health through assumption of risk under accountable care structures. The importance of taking advantage of every health care encounter, maximizing screening, brief interventions, and referrals in high-risk populations and closing existing gaps of care for children with mental health problems presenting in need is clear.
Source: Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Guest Editors' Preface Source Type: research